MEADVILLE, Pa. – Channellock Inc., a family-owned and -operated plier and hand tool manufacturer dedicated to American craftsmanship since 1886, is naming Jonathan “Jon” S. DeArment as its president and chief operating officer (COO), effective October 1, 2014.
The board of directors of Channellock Inc. voted DeArment, the Meadville, Pennsylvania-based company’s vice president of manufacturing and engineering, to succeed William S. DeArment as the organization’s president. Jon DeArment reports to William DeArment, his father, who continues as the company’s CEO and board chairman. Both Ryan DeArment, Jon’s brother and vice president of sales and marketing, and Stephen Sada, Secretary/Treasurer, report to Jon DeArment. In addition, Marc Johnston, director of workforce development will continue to report to Jon DeArment.
“It is an honor to be appointed president of our family’s business,” Jon DeArment said. “I have always believed that great companies are made from great people and our workforce is our greatest asset. Without all of our 375 associates, we wouldn’t be where we are today.”
With nearly 20 years’ experience, Jon DeArment’s role at the family-owned and -operated manufacturer includes positions in nearly every department. He began his CHANNELLOCK® career working in the plant during summers while on break from college. Over the years, he worked his way through different areas including maintenance, the machine shop, human resources, and sales and marketing. Ultimately, he found his niche in the manufacturing section of the business.
“Over the last few years as vice president of manufacturing and engineering, Jon has demonstrated the type of leadership capability I believe can move CHANNELLOCK forward,” said William DeArment. “By continuously improving our initiatives and processes, Jon will position the company to become a world-class operation in a highly competitive, global business environment.”
During his tenure leading manufacturing operations, Jon DeArment spearheaded major investments in new technology and automation, and played a major role in several new product developments, including the new CHANNELLOCK® E Series™, a line of high-leverage combination, long nose and diagonal cutting pliers with an entirely new, sleeker design compared to traditional pliers.
Over the last 10 years, Channellock Inc. has also moved forward with major operational and plant infrastructure upgrades. Improvements included the implementation of a lean manufacturing program including a certification program that focuses on safety, quality and lean production systems, and maintenance awareness for production operators. A mechatronics apprenticeship program for the maintenance department was also implemented to help with the installation and care of new technologies.
“Our commitment to quality, continuous improvement and innovation is at the heart of what we do every day at CHANNELLOCK,” Jon DeArment said. “I look forward to maintaining and expanding upon that tradition, while ensuring that we’re always producing the best pliers and hand tools for our customers.”
DeArment is married to his wife Dana and they have three children. He holds a bachelor’s in business management from Gannon University in Erie, Pennsylvania. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Meadville-based Precision Manufacturing Institute, serves as Finance Committee Chairman on the
Crawford County Central School District Board and holds a position on the Board of Directors for the Hand Tools Institute.
For more information, visit www.channellock.com.
About Channellock Inc.
Channellock Inc. is a worldwide leader in the manufacture of high-quality pliers and assorted hand tools, including the iconic, American-made CHANNELLOCK® tongue-and-groove plier, which can be found in hardware stores, retailers, toolboxes and workshops around the world. Founded by George B. DeArment in 1886, the Meadville, Pennsylvania-based company is now in its fifth generation of family ownership and operation. For more information on CHANNELLOCK® products, the company’s rich history, sales contacts and current news, visit www.channellock.com. To stay connected with Channellock Inc., like CHANNELLOCK® on Facebook, join CHANNELLOCK® Nation, or follow CHANNELLOCK® on Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram.